Effect of an initial specimen diversion device on blood-culture contamination rates and vancomycin usage: A quasi-experimental study

Initial specimen diversion devices (ISDDs) are a potential solution for reducing blood-culture contamination rates. We report the implementation of an ISDD associated with a sustained reduction in blood-culture contamination rates for >18 months after implementation. We did not observe a clinically significant reduction in inpatient vancomycin usage.

Automated summary

Initial specimen diversion devices (ISDDs) are effective in reducing blood-culture contamination rates, as shown by sustained reduction for over 18 months. However, no clinically significant reduction in inpatient vancomycin usage was observed.